Method for producing organic charcoal agricultural material, plant cultivation apparatus, and plant cultivation method

Abstract

This invention provides a manufacturing method for producing organic charcoal agricultural material that is almost odorless and takes advantage of its alkaline properties, as well as a plant cultivation apparatus and method that significantly reduce the burden of cultivation work by effectively utilizing the said organic charcoal agricultural material. [Solution] Food waste 28 is mixed with rice husk charcoal 29 and subjected to alkaline fermentation, and the amount of rice husk charcoal 29 is set to a sufficient amount to continuously maintain the alkaline fermentation of the food waste 28. The plant cultivation device 40 comprises a cultivation field 8 containing a mixture of the organic charcoal agricultural material 32 and burdock shells, one or more cultivation shelves 3.9 for setting up the cultivation field 8, a watering device 5 attached to the top of the cultivation field 3.9, and a water supply device 31 for supplying water to the watering device 5.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing organic smoked charcoal agricultural materials, a plant cultivation apparatus, and a plant cultivation method. In particular, it relates to a manufacturing method for producing organic smoked charcoal agricultural materials by alkali fermentation, and a plant cultivation apparatus and a plant cultivation method that greatly reduce the burden of cultivation work by effectively utilizing the organic smoked charcoal agricultural materials.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, food residues (kitchen waste) discharged from households are generally collected by local governments together with combustible waste and incinerated with heavy oil or the like. However, with this treatment method, not only does the fuel cost increase, but also a large amount of carbon dioxide is emitted, so there are problems from the perspective of carbon neutrality. In local governments with a high awareness of environmental issues, subsidies are provided for the purchase of household food waste processors, or food residues are composted and effectively utilized to minimize carbon dioxide emissions.

[0003] Also, as seen in Patent Document 1, a method of treating organic waste such as food waste by mixing activated carbon such as rice husk smoked charcoal with the organic waste is disclosed. In addition to this, as a way to effectively utilize food residues, generally, a method of manufacturing organic fertilizer by mixing food residues and smoked charcoal is used.

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Disclosure of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in the conventional method of manufacturing organic fertilizer by mixing food residues and smoked charcoal, there is a common problem that the mixing ratio of smoked charcoal and food residues is not particularly considered. In this case, if the amount of charcoal added is small relative to the amount of food residue, the problem arises that the alkaline properties of the charcoal cannot be fully utilized.

[0006] If the amount of charcoal used is insufficient relative to the food waste, the alkaline charcoal will either be neutralized or acidified, causing unpleasant odors during the process of making organic fertilizer. Furthermore, if the manufactured organic fertilizer is neutral or acidic, a problem arises in that it cannot utilize the pest and disease repellent effect of alkalinity. On the other hand, conventional plant cultivation methods using cultivated fields had the problem of excessive workload when creating, setting up, or replacing soil in cultivation fields, because they used soil with a high specific gravity.

[0007] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems and provide a manufacturing method for producing organic charcoal agricultural material that is almost odorless and takes advantage of its alkaline properties, as well as a plant cultivation apparatus and plant cultivation method that significantly reduce the burden of cultivation work by effectively utilizing said organic charcoal agricultural material. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention provides a method for producing organic charcoal agricultural materials in order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems. The method described in claim 1 includes the steps of: partially decomposing food residue; adding the decomposed food residue to charcoal pre-contained in a container; covering the added food residue with charcoal; mixing the food residue and the charcoal almost uniformly in the container; and alkaline fermentation of the food residue mixed with the charcoal by microorganisms that naturally grow in an alkaline environment. The amount of charcoal is configured to be a sufficient amount to continuously maintain the alkaline fermentation of the food residue.

[0009] The plant cultivation apparatus according to claim 2 comprises a cultivation field in which organic charcoal agricultural material manufactured by the manufacturing method according to claim 1 and burrs are mixed and stored in a storage container, one or more cultivation shelves for setting up the cultivation field, a watering device attached to the top of the cultivation field, and a water supply device for supplying water to the watering device.

[0010] The plant cultivation method described in claim 3 comprises the steps of: creating a cultivation field by mixing and storing organic charcoal agricultural material manufactured by the manufacturing method described in claim 1 and physalis in the storage container; planting plant seedlings or seeds in the cultivation field; installing the cultivation field on the cultivation shelf described in claim 2; supplying water from the water supply device described in claim 2 to the cultivation field using the watering device described in claim 2; and supplying air to the plant seedlings from the watering device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The method for producing the organic charcoal agricultural material of the present invention, configured as described in claim 1, has the following excellent effects. (1) The amount of charcoal used is sufficient to maintain the alkaline fermentation of the food residue, thus enabling the continuation of alkaline fermentation, preventing the generation of unpleasant odors, and allowing the production of organic charcoal agricultural material in a nearly odorless state. (2) Furthermore, because it is an alkaline organic charcoal agricultural material, the alkaline properties of the material make it possible to cultivate vegetables, flowers, and other plants without pesticides, as they are repelled by pests and pathogens. (3) Furthermore, unlike animal excrement, food residue is in a state before the digestion of food calories, and therefore, unlike when animal feces are mixed in, it can be used as a highly nutritious organic charcoal agricultural material.

[0012] The plant cultivation apparatus of the present invention, configured as described in claim 2, has the following excellent effects. (4) Conventionally, when cultivation fields using soil were used, the workload was excessive due to its weight. However, when the organic charcoal agricultural material described in claim 1 is used, the weight is reduced, and in particular, when rice husk charcoal is used as the charcoal, the specific gravity is about 0.1, which is significantly lighter than soil, and the workload is dramatically reduced. (5) Also, similar to the effect of claim 1, because it is an alkaline organic charcoal agricultural material, the alkaline properties of the material make it possible to cultivate vegetables and other plants without pesticides due to their repellent effect on pests and pathogens, and eliminate the burden of work such as spraying pesticides. (6) Furthermore, by supplying water regularly using a watering device, plants grow well, eliminating the need for additional watering and reducing the workload.

[0013] The plant cultivation method of the present invention, configured as described in claim 3, has the following excellent effects. (7) In addition to having the same effect as claim 2, supplying air makes it even easier to prevent pests and diseases. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional side view illustrating the method for manufacturing the organic charcoal agricultural material of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the plant cultivation apparatus of the present invention, where Figure (a) is a side view and Figure (b) is a front view. [Figure 3] This figure illustrates a watering device used in the plant cultivation apparatus of the present invention, with figure(a) being a side view and figure(b) being a top view. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] One embodiment of the method for producing organic charcoal agricultural material of the present invention: The following describes the basic operation of one embodiment of the method for producing the organic charcoal agricultural material 32 of the present invention, using Figure 1 as a reference. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional side view illustrating the manufacturing method of the organic charcoal agricultural material 32 according to this embodiment. Also, in the following, as the smoked charcoal, specifically, the case of using rice husk smoked charcoal 29 will be described.

[0016] To implement the manufacturing method of the organic smoked charcoal agricultural material 32 of this embodiment, the necessary components are, as shown in FIG. 1, food residue (kitchen waste) 28, rice husk smoked charcoal 29, and a storage container 30. With the above configuration, the basic operation of the manufacturing method of the organic smoked charcoal agricultural material 32 of this embodiment will be described using FIG. 1. In the manufacturing method of the organic smoked charcoal agricultural material 32 of this embodiment, first, after checking the size to a certain extent, the food residue (kitchen waste) 28 is put into a container (not shown) and corrosion starts. After confirming a certain degree of corrosion, the rice husk smoked charcoal 29 is previously put into the storage container 30, and the food residue 28 is put into it. Furthermore, the rice husk smoked charcoal 29 is covered over the food residue 28.

[0017] Next, after wrapping the food residue 28 with the rice husk smoked charcoal 29, it is mixed almost uniformly in the storage container 30. The rice husk smoked charcoal 29 and the food residue 28 are uniformly mixed to form an initial organic smoked charcoal state, and then enter the decomposition and fermentation process. The food residue (kitchen waste) 28 is mixed with a large amount of rice husk smoked charcoal 29, but it emits a bad smell associated with corrosion in the state before being put in. However, when mixed in the rice husk smoked charcoal 29, almost no bad smell is emitted.

[0018] Furthermore, inside the rice husk smoked charcoal 29, it is a strong alkaline environment, and the food residue 28 is decomposed by microorganisms living in the alkaline environment. When 15 days have passed since entering the fermentation state, the food residue 28 is decomposed and loses its form, and the organic smoked charcoal (organic smoked charcoal agricultural material) 32 is completed. Here, in order to maintain the alkaline fermentation, a considerable amount of rice husk smoked charcoal 29 is required for the food residue 28. The considerable amount varies somewhat depending on the type of the food residue 28, but for the quantity 1 of the food residue 28, the rice husk smoked charcoal 29 with a volume ratio of 2 or more is required. The manufactured organic charcoal agricultural material 32 maintains its alkalinity even after production, thus repelling pests and diseases. This eliminates the need for pesticides and reduces the burden of farm work.

[0019] Incidentally, cow manure compost, which is made by mixing cow manure, chicken manure, pig manure, etc., with other substances and fermenting them, is generally known. These composts are typical compost made by mixing and fermenting substances excreted from the anus of animals after they have absorbed calories (energy) from the food they have consumed, with other materials (such as straw and rice bran). In contrast, the organic charcoal agricultural material 32 of this embodiment utilizes material (food residue, kitchen waste) 28 that is not consumed by animals. In other words, the invention utilizes substances that have not absorbed food energy in the body (stomach, intestines), and therefore, the food waste (organic waste) 28 used in this invention has been shown to have a higher calorie (energy content) compared to cow dung and other materials used in general compost. This high-calorie organic charcoal agricultural material 32 can be used to make a fertilizer with higher nutritional value compared to when it is mixed with animal manure. Therefore, in addition to promoting the growth of plants such as vegetables, the used organic charcoal agricultural material 32 can be reused by mixing it with new organic charcoal agricultural material 32, which has the advantage of not generating any waste.

[0020] One embodiment of the plant cultivation apparatus and plant cultivation method of the present invention: Next, an embodiment of the plant cultivation apparatus and plant cultivation method of the present invention will be described using Figures 2(a), (b) and 3(a), (b). Figure 2 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the plant cultivation apparatus 40 of this embodiment, where Figure (a) is a side view and Figure (b) is a front view. Furthermore, Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the watering device 5 used in the plant cultivation apparatus 40 of this embodiment, where Figure (a) is a side view and Figure (b) is a top view. For the following explanation, we will use the example of planting and cultivating vegetable seedlings (6) as an example of the plants to be grown.

[0021] The basic configuration of the plant cultivation apparatus 40 in this embodiment is as shown in Figures 2(a) and (b), and consists of a cultivation field 8 made by mixing organic charcoal agricultural material 32 and burlap husks manufactured by the method described above, cultivation shelves 3 and 9 for setting up the cultivation field 8, a circular sprinkler device 5 placed on top of the cultivation field 8, a water supply device 31 for supplying water to the sprinkler device 5, and an air supply device 33 for supplying air to the cultivated plants to prevent diseases and pests. Note that in Figure 2(a), only the left half of the cultivation field 8 is shown above cultivation shelves 3 and 9, but it is possible that the right half is also similarly set up.

[0022] Next, the various components of the plant cultivation apparatus 40 in this embodiment will be described in detail. In this embodiment, the cultivation shelves 3 and 9 for setting up the cultivation field 8 of the plant cultivation device 40 are supported in the vertical and horizontal directions, respectively, by assembling vertical pipes (supports) 1 and horizontal pipes 2 and attaching them on top of them. Furthermore, the vertical pipe 1 is connected horizontally by pipe 10.

[0023] As shown in Figures 3(a) and (b), the watering device 5 is placed on top of the cultivation field 8, and the water supply section is circular in shape. Furthermore, the water supply section has multiple water inlets 25 (7 in the illustration) provided on the upper surface of the water supply section at predetermined intervals. The water supply system 31 consists of a water tank 22 and a submersible pump 17. Water is supplied from the water tank 22 to the submersible pump 17 through a water pipe 23. From the submersible pump 17, water is sent to the water supply section of the watering device 5 via a water hose 12, and the water hose 12 is fixed with a T-shaped fitting 26 as shown in Figure 3(a).

[0024] Furthermore, any excess water remaining in the water pipe 4 is discharged into the drainage tank 24. In Figure 2(b), 13 is a drain valve, and 15 and 16 are water pipe valves that control the supply and drainage of water.

[0025] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2(b), the air supply device 33 for releasing air to prevent diseases and pests from the water inlet 25 of the circular watering device 5 consists of an air compressor 20 and an air hose 18. In the same diagram, 14 is an air valve that controls the supply of air.

[0026] With the above configuration, the basic operation of the plant cultivation apparatus 40 and the plant cultivation method of this embodiment will be explained using Figures 2(a), (b) and 3(a), (b). The plant cultivation device 40 of this embodiment is, overall, a stepped, automatic watering plant cultivation device 40 as shown in the side view of Figure 3(a). First, the organic charcoal agricultural material produced by the method described above is mixed with burlap husks and placed in a storage bag 7 to create a cultivation field 8. Next, plant the vegetable seedlings 6 in cultivation field 8, and then place cultivation field 8 on cultivation shelves 3 and 9. Furthermore, water from the water tank 22 of the water supply device 31 is sent to the watering device 5 via the water pipe 4 and water hose 12 using the submersible pump 17, thereby spraying water into the cultivation field 8.

[0027] Furthermore, after watering, the watering device 5 is used to supply air to the leaves and stems of the seedlings 6 using the water pipe 4. First, the water in the water pipe 4 is drained into the drain tank 24 by opening the water valve 15. Once empty, the water valve 13 is closed, the air valve 14 is opened, and the compressor 20 is driven to supply air to the plants 6 being cultivated through the water pipe 4 and the drain outlet 25 of the water supply device 5. As described above, the water inlet 25 is located on the upper surface of the water supply section, and air is released to the underside of the leaves of the seedling 6. The air supply is intended to eliminate pests that inhabit the leaves of vegetables being grown in a high-humidity environment. As described above, the plant cultivation apparatus 40 and plant cultivation method of this embodiment make it possible to grow seedlings 6 by improving the conditions within the cultivation field 8 and the air environment.

[0028] As mentioned above, conventionally, when cultivation fields using soil were used, the workload was excessive due to its weight. However, in this embodiment, when organic charcoal agricultural material 32 is used, the weight is reduced, and in particular, when rice husk charcoal 29 is used as the charcoal, the specific gravity is about 0.1, which is significantly lighter than soil, dramatically reducing the workload. Furthermore, because alkaline organic charcoal agricultural materials are used, the alkaline properties of the material repel pests and pathogens, making it possible to cultivate vegetables and other plants without pesticides, and eliminating the burden of pesticide application. Furthermore, by regularly spraying water using a watering system, plants can grow smoothly, and the workload can be reduced. Furthermore, supplying air makes it even easier to prevent pests and diseases.

[0029] In other words, the rice husk charcoal 29 (see Figure 1) is a strongly alkaline substance with an alkalinity of pH 10-11. These alkaline and carbon effects create a growing environment that is less prone to plant growth disorders, and this cultivation method is also organic. While these effects relate to the soil-based growing environment for vegetables, a key feature of this embodiment is its effect on improving the air environment for stems and leaves.

[0030] Furthermore, the plant cultivation apparatus and method of this embodiment utilize a highly nutrient-rich cultivation field and possess pest and disease repellent properties, allowing cultivation to be performed with simple manual labor, eliminating the need for agricultural machinery, and resulting in excellent cost-effectiveness for agriculture. Furthermore, it does not require cultivated land and can be grown on concrete, asphalt pavement, building rooftops, abandoned factory sites, parking lots, etc. Furthermore, rice husks and charcoal are extremely lightweight, making cultivation possible with minimal effort.

[0031] The method for producing organic charcoal agricultural materials, the plant cultivation apparatus, and the plant cultivation method of the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described above. In the above embodiment, an example was described using rice husk charcoal as the charcoal material, but the present invention also includes cases where granular charcoal material such as buckwheat hulls or finely cut wood chips are used to make charcoal. Furthermore, while the amount of charcoal relative to food waste is considered substantial, it is not limited to a volume ratio of approximately 2 parts food waste to 1 part charcoal. Any substantial amount is sufficient to maintain alkaline fermentation until the end of production and to repel pests and diseases after production is complete. Although the above plant cultivation apparatus was described using an example of growing vegetables, the present invention also includes the cultivation of flowers and other plants. [Industrial applicability]

[0032] This invention is a groundbreaking one in which the inventor discovered that by adding decaying food waste to rice husk charcoal, it is possible to produce organic charcoal agricultural material with almost no odor, even though this would normally produce a foul odor. Research into the reason for this revealed that the alkalinity of rice husk charcoal is the cause, and that alkaline fermentation allows for production with almost no odor. Furthermore, alkaline conditions can repel pests and diseases, making it possible to cultivate plants without pesticides. Furthermore, as mentioned above, rice husk charcoal has a specific gravity of approximately 0.1, and if it is used in cultivation fields, the workload will be significantly reduced, thus it has great potential for industrial use. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0033] 3,9:Cultivation shelf 5: Watering device 6: Seedling (plant) 7: Offering bag (storage container) 8,27: Cultivation field 28: Food waste (organic garbage) 29: Rice husk charcoal (charcoal) 30: Containment container 32: Organic charcoal agricultural materials 33: Water supply device 40: Plant cultivation equipment

Claims

1. The process of partially decomposing food waste, The process involves adding the aforementioned decomposed food residue to charcoal that has been pre-packaged in a container, A step of covering the food residue that has been introduced with charcoal, The process involves mixing the food residue and the charcoal in a substantially uniform manner within the container, The process includes a step of mixing the food residue with the charcoal and subjecting it to alkaline fermentation by microorganisms that naturally grow in an alkaline environment, A method for producing organic charcoal agricultural material, characterized in that the amount of charcoal is a sufficient amount to continuously maintain the alkaline fermentation of the food residue.

2. A cultivation field comprising a storage container containing a mixture of organic charcoal agricultural material produced by the manufacturing method described in claim 1 and burr shells, One or more cultivation shelves for setting up the aforementioned cultivation field, A watering device installed above the aforementioned cultivation field, A water supply device that supplies water to the aforementioned sprinkler system, A plant cultivation apparatus characterized by being equipped with the following features.

3. A step of creating a cultivation field by mixing and storing in the aforementioned storage container the organic charcoal agricultural material manufactured by the manufacturing method described in claim 1 and burrs, The process involves planting seedlings or seeds of plants in the aforementioned cultivation field, The steps include installing the cultivation field on the cultivation rack described in claim 2, A step of supplying water from the water supply device described in claim 2 to the cultivation field using the sprinkling device described in claim 2, The process of supplying air to the plant seedlings from the watering device, A method for cultivating plants, characterized by comprising the following features.

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